Some aspects of first sexual relationships in females with special reference to those aged under 16

Abstract

WOMEN with mild or moderate abnormal changes in the cell nuclei of the cervix (dyskaryosis), were re ferred to a particular gynaecologist (DA) and for the first 500 he obtained details of their social, sexual, contraceptive and pregnancy history. The age of the women ranged from 16 to 60 and they reported hav ing had sexual intercourse for the first time between the ages of 9 to 29; 21.8 per cent had been under 16. Early sexual experience was significantly associated with short-term relationships without the use of con traception, early diagnosis of dyskaryosis, more partners, smoking, and also to some extent with genital warts and manual work. The data raise prob lems about the lifestyle of young women whose be haviour is potentially seriously damaging to their health.